Published Sept. 18, 2020 | Updated Oct. 19, 2021

Everyone loves the change in seasons, and here in Virginia, you won't need to go to New England to see the leaves pop in autumn color.

We can't get enough of these leafy days at Virginia State Parks. Social media will soon be full of scenic fall photos coming in, so we thought we would share a few of our parks that are super popular for leaf-peeping.

Albert Einstein said, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."

We thought that was our first mistake; how could we ever decide? So we asked our Park'rs on Facebook which parks they believe are the ultimate for colorful views in the fall, and well, all of them ended up being the true answer. One reply was "the one with no people." We like this answer because we like it to be just us when we spend time in nature. No crowds. 

 

1. DOUTHAT STATE PARK, Millboro, Va.

Fall in love with Virginia State Parks this autumn at Douthat State Park.

A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in developing parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and tent and trailer camping. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each. Learn more about cabins and camping.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour.

2. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK, Huddleston, Va.

Spend a fall day just goofing off together at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

On the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a picturesque park and water enthusiast's paradise. Families can enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks. Learn more about cabins and camping.

The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. 

3. WESTMORELAND STATE PARK, Montross Va.

Horsehead Cliffs at Westmoreland State Park are alive in the fall.

On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, cabins, camping cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Hunt for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac at the park's Fossil Beach. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts love this park. The Potomac River Retreat is an overnight center suitable for family reunions and other gatherings of up to 16. Its waterfront location provides docking space at a boathouse. Learn more about cabins and camping.

Six miles northwest of Montross, just off Route 3. Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. are just two hours' drive; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours.

4. SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK, Bentonville, Va.

The splendor of fall in the Shenandoah Mountains at Shenandoah River State Park.

This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. In addition to the meandering river frontage, Shenandoah River State Park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch, make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. Ten riverfront tent campsites, a campground with water and electric sites, cabins, camping cabins, yurts and a group campground are available. With more than 24 miles of trails, the park has plenty of options for hiking, biking, horseback riding and adventure. Learn more about cabins and camping.

The park is in Warren County, 8 miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray. It's off Rt. 340 in Bentonville, one and a half hours drive from Northern Virginia, and from Richmond, two and a half hours.

5. HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK, Marion, Va.

Pick a cabin and go; Hungry Mother State Park is lovely in the fall.

Hungry Mother State Park, one of the original six Virginia State Parks, has long been a favorite. It's known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. Guests can enjoy campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. Learn more about cabins and camping.

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County, not too far off I-81 and the quaint main street Town of Marion. Drive time: Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours.

FALL FOLIAGE REPORTS

Check out our Fall Foliage Reports.

As the leaves fall and colors shift from the mountains to the coast, you're sure to find some beautiful scenery en route to and from your favorite state park. View a map of all Virginia State Parks to help plan your leafy getaway, drive or destination.